Racing
French banker of the day - 20th February 2026
Friday’s French banker is an unexposed three-year-old looking to remain unbeaten…
New Run (Charles Gourdain/Maxime Foulon)
Pau – R1 – Prix de Madiran
The opening Class 2 conditions race on the Pau card looks like being an informative affair, with Jean-Claude Rouget seemingly holding a strong hand at a track he tends to do well at.
Texas Wood looks like the pick of his duo following two course and distance wins but at the expected prices, I'm happy to take a flyer on New Run, who might just be a few points shorter were he trained by a bigger name.
A striking colt by Muhaarar, he couldn't have been much more impressive when making a winning debut over course and distance three weeks ago, travelling powerfully before quickening clear in fine style to put the race to bed in a matter of strides.
The winning margin might have only been a length and three quarters but after drifting across to the far side rail, he was heavily eased once rider Maxime Foulon realised the race was in safekeeping.
The form of that newcomers' event has yet to be tested, but it was tough not to be impressed with the manner of his turn of foot and with further progress on the cards, he might well prove overpriced in this interesting Class 2.
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